Syntra AB
PMV has guided Syntra Antwerpen and Vlaams-Brabant (together Syntra AB) since 2011 in their search for a suitable location for new custom-made accommodation. In 2014, the tender procedure was completed and a site on the former postal buildings along the Antwerp Ring Road, next to Berchem station, was chosen. The project includes a new training centre of about 9,500 m², offices for the headquarters and parking for two hundred cars. The laying of the foundation stone took place on 5 December 2014. The project was completed two years later.
The Syntra XA building is part of Post X, developer IRET’s large-scale development project on the former postal sorting centre site. This is at walking distance from the railway station in Berchem. So the new location is not only easily accessible by bike or car but also by public transport. With its isosceles triangle, the design by Stéphane Beel Architects has an atypical shape, which gives the building an exceptional character with very good sustainability scores (E-level 48 – K-value 23). Every week, around 500 young people attend courses during the day, and more than 2 000 adults in the evening.
PMV’s role
PMV guided Syntra in the search for a new location with a tendering procedure and negotiations with the winning developer. The best location was thus selected, with the best design for the building and at the most favourable financial terms. The purchase of the building was financed by Syntra’s own funds, by long-term financing from PMV and by 15-year bank financing. For the latter financing, PMV conducted the tendering procedure which allowed the most advantageous form of financing to be chosen. This made the realisation of the building possible in an ESA-neutral way. Moreover, the Flemish Region does not have to provide additional subsidies for the project.
The project in numbers
The total investment in the project is €23.5 million, of which space one-third is own contribution. PMV provided a 20-year long-term loan of 4.3 million euro and a bridging loan of up to 5 million euro. For the bank financing, a 15-year long-term loan of EUR 10.7 million was taken out.
Other partners
Syntra Antwerpen en Vlaams-Brabant (Syntra AB) is an autonomous non-profit organisation and the largest training institute for apprenticeship (working and learning for young people) and adult education. Syntra offers a wide range of possible vocational training courses: photographers, diamond workers, bicycle repairers, dental technicians, chefs, graphic artists, etc. Syntra AB’s courses are held on five campuses.
